Eau Claire - A black bear has awakened from hibernation and returned to an Eau Claire neighborhood where it's frightening residents, going through garbage cans and breaking bird feeders. Neighbors want the bear removed. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says it's just part of spring, and that if you give the bear two weeks it will be gone. Lowayne Rust says the bear has been roaming the neighborhood every year for about three years after hibernating in a nearby culvert under Interstate 94.
While Rust worries about the safety of his dog, other neighbors worry about their young children. The DNR's Ed Cullhane says bears typically aren't removed unless they are a danger or don't move on to more natural habitat within several weeks. The DNR suggests removing food sources, such as bird feeders. (Copyright 2013 Associated Press - All Rights Reserved)